How. Christ again praises the beauty of his Church. (Worthington) --- The dialogue takes place in the country. (Haydock) --- From corporal beauty, which is often dangerous, and the portion of the most dissolute, we must raise our minds to spiritual advantages, which the Holy Ghost has here in view.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Them. Those who lay aside the old man, and receive baptism, are filled with grace, to bring forth the fruits of virtue. (St. Augustine, Doct. ii. 6.) --- Pastors in particular, must lay aside worldly cares, and attend to their flocks. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Scarlet. Preachers of the gospel (St. Gregory) must speak with elegance, and have their lips dyed with the blood of Christ, and purified with coals from the altar. (Calmet) --- So, if we may use the words of a living critic, who is sometimes accurate, "a commentator ought to study at the foot of hi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Bulwarks. Hebrew Thalpiyoth, "at the height of the defiles," probably in Libanus, when David conquered Syria. Thalassar, Thelmela, &c., were such "heights." Bucklers, to be used in case of need, or for ornament. Thus the neck of the spouse was adorned with chains and pearls. The Church is this towe... [ Continue Reading ]
_Roes. This comparison does not seem happy: but exactitude is not required. (Calmet) --- Indeed if we were to take all in the literal sense, a very grotesque figure would arise, with a head like Carmel, a nose like a tower, &c., which shews that the tropological or allegorical sense must be adopted.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Retire. In the morning, (Sanctius) or rather the bridegroom takes his leave early, promising to return in the evening, chap. ii. 17. (Calmet) --- Myrrh. To Calvary, where the fervent will pour forth their prayers, and learn mortification. (Calmet) --- Christ dwells in mortified and devout minds._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thee. All must be pure before they enter heaven, as the blessed Virgin [Mary] was on earth, (Worthington) and the Church is still, Ephesians v. 27. (Calmet) --- Before his departure, Christ heaps praises on her._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou. Hebrew, "look from." --- Libanus. So Jerusalem is called, Zacharias xi. 3. (Ribera) (Menochius) --- Amana. Septuagint, "faith." By it and charity, we must do good. (St. Augustine, Psalm lxvii.) Amanus separates Cilicia from Syria. --- Sanir is the name given by the Phenicians to Hermon, (Euse... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wounded. Symmachus, "given." Septuagint, Protestants, "ravished." Mystic writers suppose, that the spouse had been guilty of some negligence; or, on the contrary, that her deportment was most enchanting, bent on God, and on good works. (Calmet) --- Sister. So Assuerus styles himself brother of Esth... [ Continue Reading ]
_Spices. He returns her compliment, chap. i. 2._... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAPTER IV. _ Lips. Teachers who accommodate their instructions to the capacity of their audience, (Calmet) giving milk to children, Hebrews v. 13., (Haydock) and 1 Corinthians iii. 2. --- In allusion, perhaps, to this passage, (Calmet) it was customary to give milk and honey to the new baptized. ... [ Continue Reading ]
_Up. She is perfectly chaste, Proverbs v. 14. The Church excludes from her society all unbelievers and schismatics. The wicked serve to exercise the virtuous. Her pastors explain the Scriptures, the fountains of saving knowledge. (Calmet) --- Christ is also a fountain, Zacharias xiii. 1., and John v... [ Continue Reading ]
_Plants. The various orders of clergy and laity. --- Cyprus, (chap. i. 13.; Calmet) whence a healing oil is extracted. (Theodoret) --- Protestants, "camphire." (Haydock) --- Spikenard is twice mentioned, as it may be well mixed with cyprus and saffron. (Menochius)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Cinnamon. Very rare, Exodus xxx. 23. --- Libanus, or "incense." (Hebrew)_... [ Continue Reading ]
_Libanus. The law of the gospel was proclaimed by the apostles, who were Jews. They explained the pure doctrine of the Scriptures, and converted many._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wind. At different times. Let all nations be convinced of thy beauty. (Calmet) --- The holy Spirit enabled the apostles to convert the world. (Nys. Rupert.) --- All temptations, whether proceeding from cruelty or deceit, "make constant souls more grateful to God." (Worthington)_... [ Continue Reading ]