Matthew Poole and continuators on Song of Solomon 2:14

14 O my dove , that art in the clefts of the rock , in the secret places of the stairs , let me see thy countenance , let me hear thy voice ; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely .

So the Church is called, partly for her Dove-like Temper and Disposition, because she is chaste, and mild, and harmless, &c. and partly for her Dove-like Condition, because she is weak, and exposed to Persecution, and given to Mourning, as Doves are, Isa. 38. 14. & 59. 11. Ezek. 7. 16. and subject to many Fears, and therefore forced to hide her self in Rocks, as it follows.

Where she hid her self, either 1. For fear of her Enemies, whom to avoid she puts her self into the Protection of the Almighty. Or 2. Out of Modesty, and an humble sense of her own De[illegible: 1+ letters]rmities, and Infirmities, which makes her endeavour to hid[illegible: 1+ letters] her self even from her Beloved, as ashamed to appear in his pr[illegible: 1+ letters]ence, [illegible: 1 word] is frequently the case of Gods People especially after [illegible: 1 word] into [illegible: 1 word]. And this sense seems to be [illegible: 1+ letters]avoured by the following words, in which Christ relieveth her against such discourag[illegible: 1+ letters] [illegible: 1+ letters]ughts.

In the holes of craggy and broken Rocks, which [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1+ letters]airs. So the same thing is [illegible: 1 word] repeated in other words.

[illegible: 1+ letters]e not afraid nor ashamed to appear before me, come boldly into my presence and acquaint thy self with me.

Thy Prayers and Praises.

Thy Person and Services are accepted by me, and are amiable in my [illegible: 1+ letters]ight.

Marginal references: Ezek. 38. 20.; Ch. 8. 13.