WHILE the carnally-minded may see very little in the Canticles of an elevating character, those who have been taught of the Spirit find in it a marvelous picture of that hallowed communion between the Lord and those who enter through grace into the bridal relation with Him. To the godly in Israel the King was Jehovah and the Bride the chosen race; for the Christian the Bridegroom is our blessed Lord Himself, and the Bride the Church collectively, or the saved soul individually. Sweet it is to be drawn into His dwelling-place and to enjoy communion with Him, thus lifting the soul above all the trifling things of earth. Mary of Bethany entered into this in large measure when the Lord was actually present on earth. We today may enjoy the same precious fellowship as we meditate on the Word and lift our hearts to the Lord in prayer.
“O Love divine, how sweet Thou art!
When shall I find my willing heart
All taken up by Thee?
I thirst, I faint, I die to prove
The greatness of redeeming love, —
The love of Christ to me.
God only knows the love of God;
Oh, that it now were shed abroad
In this poor stony heart!
For love I sigh, for love I pine;
This only portion. Lord, be mine;
Be mine this better part.”
—Charles Wesley.