Take us — The bridegroom gives this charge to his bridemen or friends. By whom he understands those magistrates and ministers to whom, under Christ, the custody of the vineyards, the churches, principally belong. These he commands to take the foxes, to restrain them from doing this mischief. Foxes — The disturbers of the vineyard, or the church, seducers or false teachers. Little foxes — This he adds for more abundant caution, to teach the church to prevent errors and heresies in the beginnings. Spoil vines — Which foxes do many ways, by gnawing and breaking the little branches and leaves, by digging holes in the vineyards, and so spoiling the roots. Tender grapes — Which are easily spoiled, if great care be not used to prevent it.

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