My beloved spake Invited me outwardly by his word, and inwardly by his Spirit. Rise up, my love Shake off sloth, and disentangle thyself more fully from all the snares of this world. And come away
Unto me, and with me; follow me fully, serve me perfectly, labour for a nearer union, and more satisfying communion with me. The winter is past Spiritual troubles, arising from a deep sense of the guilt of sin, the wrath of God, the curse of the law; all which made them afraid to come unto God. But, saith Christ, I have removed these impediments, God is reconciled; therefore cast off all discouragements and excuses, and come to me. The flowers appear on the earth The communications of God's grace, the gifts, and graces, and comforts of the Holy Spirit, are vouch- safed unto, and appear in, believers, as buds and blossoms do in the spring. The time of singing is come When birds sing most freely and sweetly, as they do in spring. And the voice of the turtle is heard This seems particularly to be mentioned, because it not only gives notice of the spring, but aptly represents the Spirit of God, which even the Chaldee paraphrast understands by this turtle, which appeared in the shape of a dove, and which worketh a dove-like meekness, and chastity, and faithfulness, in believers. The fig-tree putteth forth her figs Which it shoots forth in the spring; and the vines, &c., give a good smell Which, though not strong, is pleasant and grateful.