1:11. "We will make you borders of gold with studs of silver."

The rich ornaments of these horses seem incapable of improvement. But more shall yet be added. Collars of gold, sparkling with studs of silver, shall be added to the rich adornments. It is a precious truth, "He gives more grace." Let us never be content with what we have already gained. Let us strive and toil and pray, until we are filled with all the fullness of God. We must be conscious that at the best we are most miserable short-comers. Let us give our God no rest, until grace more and more enriches our hearts.

1:12. "While the King sits at His table, my perfume spread its fragrance."

Another image here instructs us. May it shine brightly as a Gospel-ray! The King is seen seated in His banquet-hall. We may imagine the table rich in all the luxury of Eastern courts. The Queen, in royal robes and redolent with sweet perfumes, is enthroned by His side. We here are taught a lesson written emphatically in Scripture. The desire of Christ to hold free converse with the Church is vividly portrayed. He calls her to sit at His table. Such is the voice of the Revelation, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock. If any man hears My voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me."

Amazing grace that we should be welcomed to such feast! His Spirit, His grace, the Scriptures, holy meditation, and Gospel-ordinances thus constantly invite us. It would exceed our space to tell the luxuriant bounties which enrich His banquet. Here we are regaled with realizing views of His eternal love. We may enter on refreshing knowledge of His incarnation. We may find that His flesh is food indeed, and His blood drink indeed. Here we may extract strength from most precious promises, and draw delight from their countless dainties. And while we feast, the tender voice may be heard, "Eat, O friends, drink, yes, drink abundantly, O beloved."

Mighty is the effect on the delighted guest. "While the King sits at His table, my perfume spread its fragrance." Marvelous is the power of Christ's presence to invigorate grace. Walk in the garden in the chill days of winter. Shrubs and flowers, to appearance, are withered and dead, and no sweetness is presented. Revisit this spot when summer-rays are bright, and genial breezes softly blow. Then countless flowers expand in lovely charms, and fragrance breathes around. So when Christ is absent, the soul is a barren wasteland. But when He comes with His reviving power, all graces bloom, and spread deliciousness around. The perfume of the heart sends forth its fragrance. When Jesus sat at the table, Mary broke her box of ointment, and the house was filled with the fragrance of it.

1:13, 14. "A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me; He shall lie all night between my breasts. My beloved is unto me as a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of Engedi."

The Church well knows the source from which her graces flow, the tree on which her blossoms bud. If fragrance proceeds from her, His love has first infused it. If she shines as light, she only reflects the rays of heaven. If she diffuses delight, it is from the treasures which He so abundantly has imparted. In the deep consciousness that all her grace is the aroma of His indwelling, she avows that her beloved is unto her a bundle of myrrh and a cluster of the choicest henna blossoms. As the rich perfume cheers and invigorates, so Jesus is the chief joy of every believing heart.

It is indeed ecstacy to meditate on Him and on His work. Every feeling is charmed when contemplating His beauty--His glory--His achievements. Let us be wise, and entertain ourselves in the sweet garden of these countless flowers. Each is enchanting sweetness--each exhilarates and strengthens.

The Church resolves that nothing shall take this joy from her. The bundle of myrrh--the cluster of henna blossoms--shall lie all night between her breasts. She will clasp her beloved Lord to her heart of hearts. As throughout the day His presence had gladdened her walk, so when shades of night obscure all other objects, He still shall be near to her adoring love, and breathe His fragrance through her wakeful hours.