Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.
There is a great degree of earnestness in these expressions, which evidently shows the mind of the church to be going forth, upon the Person of her Lord with much warmth of regard. Whenever we meet with such vehemency of language, it certainly is intended to convey, that faith, and grace, and love, are in most devout exercise. See Psalms 63:1-8. Reader! I fear that we, who live in these cold languishing days of Zion, can hardly have a conception what is meant by these passionate cries of the church. It is to be deeply regretted that we do not: but yet it is possible, and the instance here set forth as fully proves, that, when devout souls get to Christ's banqueting house, such rich discoveries of his love in the glories of his Person, and such amazing grace displayed in all his redemption-offices, there may be such an overwhelming power of love coming over the soul, as to induce that kind of sickness as requires the arms of Jesus to keep from fainting. If the queen of the south swooned, and had no more spirit in her at the display of Solomon's wisdom; (1 Kings 10:5.) what may be supposed to take place on the soul of the redeemed, when at anytime Jesus, breaks forth in the blessed manifestations of his grace, and love, and favor! The flaggons and the apple the church requests to be stayed with, are, no doubt, figurative of spiritual comforts; as if she had said, Lord, while thou art thus gracious, oh! give me every suited grace for support that I may go forth in love and praise, while thou art coming forth in such rich displays of goodness and favor.