he graces of the church. (1-9) The delight of the church in
Christ. (10-13)
Verses 1-9: The similitudes here are different from what they were
before, and in the original refer to glorious and splendid
clothing. Such honour have all his saints; and having put on
Christ, they are distinguished by their beautiful and glorious
apparel. They adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all
things. Consistent believers honour Christ, recommend the
gospel, and convince and awaken sinners. The church resembles
the stately and spreading palm; while her love for Christ, and
the obedience resulting therefrom, are precious fruit of the
true Vine. The King is held in the galleries. Christ takes
delight in the assemblies and ordinances of his people; and
admires the fruit of his grace in them. When applied to the
church and to each faithful Christian, all this denotes that
beauty of holiness, in which they shall be presented to their
heavenly Bridegroom.
Verses 10-13: The church, the believing soul, triumphs in its relation
to Christ, and interest in him. She humbly desires communion
with him. Let us walk together, that I may receive counsel,
instruction, and comfort from thee; and may make known my wants
and my grievances to thee, with freedom, and without
interruption. Communion with Christ is what all that are made
holy earnestly breathe after. And those who would converse with
Christ, must go forth from the world. Wherever we are, we may
keep up communion with God. Nor should we go where we cannot in
faith ask him to go with us. Those who would go abroad with
Christ, must begin early in the morning of their days; must
begin every day with him, seek him early, seek him diligently. A
gracious soul can reconcile itself to the poorest places, if it
may have communion with God in them; but the most delightful
fields will not satisfy, unless the Beloved is there. Let us not
think to be satisfied with any earthly object. Our own souls are
our vineyards; they should be planted with useful trees. We
should often search whether we are fruitful in righteousness.
Christ's presence will make the vine flourish, and the tender
grapes appear, as the returning sun revives the gardens. If we
can appeal to him, Thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I
love thee; if his Spirit witness with our spirit, that our souls
prosper, it is enough. And we must beg of him to search and try
us, to discover us to ourselves. The fruits and exercises of
graces are pleasant to the Lord Jesus. These must be laid up,
and always ready; that by our bringing forth much fruit, he may
be glorified. It is all from him, therefore it is fit it should
be all for him.
he graces of the church. (1-9) The delight of the church in
Christ. (10-13)