The Song of Solomon

The aim of this volume is simple, yet sublime--lowly, yet rising above earth. Its desire is to promote and elevate and sanctify the communion of families with heaven; to give wings to piety, and warm utterance to prayer. This exercise requires watchful care--the often recurrence militates against impression. An object always present to the eyes scarcely arrests notice. The lull of one repeated note will wrap the senses in forgetfulness. Hence fruitless formality may creep in, and dull routine may slowly move where liveliness should burn. True worship is the heavenward elevation of the soul. To obtain this benefit is worth all efforts. A family thus spiritually engaged is a blessed company. It basks in heaven's sunshine. It breathes celestial atmosphere. Its influence extends far beyond a narrow circle. It shines as a beacon on some eminence. Before the daily work begins, it seeks God's arm to protect, and His eye to guide; it puts on the armor of faith, it girds up the loins to climb the upward path, and when evening brings employments to a close, it gives floods of praises for overflowing mercies, and washes in the blood which cannot fail to cleanse. Lessons from the Bible are an essential ingredient in such exercise. This book utters God's voice, proclaims His salvation, reveals His will, and issues His commands. Thus it prepares the heart for near approach, and tunes the instrument for harmonious sound. In this treasury the Song of Solomon is a bright jewel. From the day when first the Holy Spirit gave it to the world, it has rightfully received co-equal rank with kindred books. From its birth its sacred origin has been indubitably maintained. The pen which wrote the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes gave this likewise to the sacred Canon. Our Church, also, has without hesitation enrolled it in this heaven-born company. Moreover, to outward authority internal evidence adds its assuring weight. Believers' hearts in every age and place have recognized in it the voice of God speaking in terms indubitably divine. Such streams of consolation, comfort, and instruction, could only flow from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Its channel is too deep--its waters are too full for human origin. Its tender whispers have cheered the disconsolate--upheld the tottering--revived the fainting--strengthened the weak--confirmed the wavering--wiped many a weeping eye--and soothed many a sighing breast. In hours of pain and weariness and solitude, its voice has sounded as the melody of heaven. When love has languished, its breath has fanned the sparks into a flame. Refreshed in this vestibule, how many have exclaimed, "This is none other than the House of God, and this is the gate of heaven!" The eye of faith has seen the Savior drawing near, "leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills." If this blessed book had not been given, many harps of delight might often have hung on the willows of disconsolation. But all praise to heavenly grace, it has been given, and we possess it. Let us then prize it, and devoutly use it.