Songs 4:8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon… This world was never designed to be the fixed abode of the children of men, and therefore there was a restraint laid upon our first parents in paradise, as to the forbidden tree, showing that they behoved to look to another world for their happiness. Man was once set fair on the way to the land where glory dwells, but he lost his way, and now poor sinners are found wandering on the mountains of vanity. The first Adam managed ill, and brought us into this condition. But behold, the second Adam came to gather the dispersed of Israel, and to lead them on their way to the better country. Hear His voice in the text, calling His people to leave the weary world and go homeward with Himself. I. TAKE NOTICE OF SOME THINGS SUPPOSED IN THIS KIND CALL AND INVITATION. 1. It supposeth that Christ's bride is yet in the world. Though brought out of Egypt, yet not come to Canaan, but still in the wilderness. 2. Though she be there, and perhaps has been there many years since she was united to Christ, yet He has not forgot her, but kindly remembers, her still, whatever she may think otherwise. 3. The world is not a place for Christ's spouse to rest in, she is in great danger there. 4. Yet sometimes the foolish creature lies down even among the lions' dens, and being charmed with the deceitful mountains is averse to come away. 5. Our Lord takes notice of and is concerned for the soul's danger from the deceitful world. And therefore He cries with earnestness to come away. II. EXPLAIN THIS COMING FROM THE WORLD, OR SHOW WHAT IS IMPLIED IN IT. There is a twofold coming away from the world, 1. There is a natural coming out of it. By the course of nature, we are all on our way out of it. 2. There is a spiritual coming out of it, namely, in heart and affection. This is what Christ is calling you to this day. (1) Take your last look, the parting look of the world by faith even as Moses did of the profits and pleasures of Egypt. (2) Turn your backs, then, upon the things of the world. Be mortified to them. (3) Give up this day with the men of the world, never more to mix with the natives of' the weary land; who labour for nothing but the entertainment of Lebanon, and who have taken up their home among the lions' dens. III. SHOW THE IMPORT OF COMING AWAY WITH CHRIST FROM THE WORLD. 1. Our Lord has a better place for your reception, than the world can be in its best dress. This is the new Jerusalem. There His Father's house stands. And in that house are many mansions. The society of saints, angels, and to be ever with the Lord constitute the felicity of the place. 2. Our Lord can assuredly bring you into this glorious and happy place. But oh! will I obtain admission? Why, come with Me, says Christ, there will be no hindrance if you enter along with Me. 3. That place is His own choice. 4. Christ is in His way thither, out of the world to His Father's house, the better country. What, is not Christ there already? True, Christ personal is there, but Christ mystical is not there yet. 5. Our Lord is very desirous of your company by the way, yes, and to have you away with Him for altogether. 6. Our Lord displays His glory to you in the Gospel, to win your hearts and get you away with Him. 7. Our Lord offers you, not only better in hope, but better in hand than the world can give you. 8. If you will come away, you shall go as He goes, you shall go together. Go as He goes in point of duty. Esteem all things as He does. Let His choice be your choice. Rejoice in those things in which He rejoices; and be grieved for what grieves His Spirit. Love what He loves, and hate what He hates. 9. He will lead you and support you through the whole of the way. You are now in the fields of the world, and there will be difficult steps in your way to the city; these will not be easily discerned, but come with Him, He will keep you from stumbling on the dark mountains. 10. He will be all to you in all. Leave all the world and "come with Me," for all, as the espoused bride goes with her husband. Whatever comfort, pleasure and delight you drew out of the muddy streams, you may now draw in a far superior manner from the fountain. Thus it shall be your duty and privilege too, to live as people of another world. "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." (T. Boston, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards. |
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