I. Note (1) what it is that the Church desires from Christ what every pious soul must desire who would make prayer to Christ at all. "Draw me," allure me, bring my soul under the power of a love-captivity. (2) "And we will run after Thee." This seems to denote the alacrity with which, after experimental acquaintance with Christ and the power of His grace, we shall persevere in our Christian course. This speed comes of Christ's drawing, and, as it is in material bodies, the velocity increases as we get nearer to the centre of the attracting influence. (3) Remark next the grounds on which the Church presumes to hope for these glorious manifestations of Christ's love to her. A large suit should be endorsed by a strong plea, nor could we walk so boldly unless there had been first the extending towards us of the golden sceptre. "The King hath brought me into His chambers;" He hath recognised the rightfulness of my espousals; He hath initiated for me this covenant relation of protection and peace and mercy, and therefore by Him, by the King Himself, we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand.
II. "I am black, but comely." The words may be taken in reference to the triumphs and sorrows of earth. (1) The first reason assigned for the Church's uncomely visage, for some of her dark spots and blemishes, is persecution. "The sun hath looked upon me." (2) Opposition, disagreement, strifes, and feuds, among her own children. (3) The winter of her own religious spirit, the fear of loss to her personal spiritual devotion on account of over-zeal to discharge faithfully a public trust. "They made me keeper of the vineyards, but mine own vineyard have I not kept."
D. Moore, Penny Pulpit,No. 3512.