2:14. "O my dove, who is in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, let Me see your face, let Me hear your voice; for sweet is your voice, and your face is lovely."

No words can exceed the tenderness of this address. The most endearing name is given to the Church, "My dove." In the feathered tribe the dove attracts especial admiration. The form--the note--the habits--the faithfulness--awaken just praise. Beauty and sweetness are its peculiar properties. In every aspect the bird is lovely. Thus the Church is beauteous in the Redeemer's eyes. This truth almost baffles our belief. It requires faith in strong exercise to realize that the eyes of Christ can rest satisfied on us. If we are conscious of our deep corruption--of our vile transgressions--of our inconstancy and waywardness--much more must the omniscience of Christ discern this sad deformity. But in His superabundant grace He views us as mantled in His own righteousness, and adorned with the excellences, which His Spirit imparts. This view is loveliness. Christ sees, and says, "O my dove."

The dove, also, is distinguished for its gentleness. This grace was pre-eminent in Christ. Believers are entreated "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ." It is, also, their constant study to follow these footsteps. Thus proud and haughty looks are studiously shunned--and in lowliness of mind each strives to esteem others as better than himself. Thus the injunction is obeyed, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ." Thus the title is obtained, "O my dove."

The dove, moreover, is noted for conjugal fidelity. Here we see the image of the believer espoused as a chaste virgin to the Lord. The whole heart is given, and every affection clings to her beloved. May we reflect this loving character!

This dove is here described as seeking refuge in the clefts of the rock, and in the hiding places on the mountainside. Here is a sign of timidity. It strives to hide itself from observation. It seeks concealment in rocks above man's access; or in the most secret recesses of the mountains. Of Jesus it is said, "He shall not strive nor cry, nor cause His voice to be heard in the streets." His kingdom comes not with observation. So the believer shuns all needless ostentation. It is not his desire to attract the gaze of man; or call for public applause. He meekly pursues an unnoticed path; and with his heart fixed on heaven, he disregards the notice of inferiors. To the retiring believer the voice is addressed, "Let me see your face, let me hear your voice--for sweet is your voice, and your face is lovely." Amazing grace! Can Christ desire this close communion with us? Can He call us thus to present ourselves to Him? We see in this cry the reality and the immensity of His love.

He asks to hear our voice. Let us humbly and delightedly obey, besieging His throne with constant and importunate petitions. By prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let all our requests be made known to Him. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Let praise, also, be our constant exercise. Let it ever ascend as grateful incense to His courts. Let it sound forth in unwearied admiration. Let it depict our sense of His goodness and His grace. Let us tell Him of our delight in the glory of His person and His work. Christ stoops to mark our approach, and to listen to our voice. "Sweet is your voice, and your face is lovely." Faith is thus assured that such communion is welcomed!