Matthew Poole and continuators on Song of Solomon 4:12

12 A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse: a spring shut up , a sountain sealed .

For Order and Beauty, for pleasant Walks, and Flowers, and Fruits.

Either 1. Defended by the care of my Providence: Or 2. Reserved for my proper use. She will not admit of other Lovers, either false Teachers, or worldly Lusts, but keeps herself close for me. She is chast, and pure, and modest, as Virgins are or should be.

Either 1. For others, sending forth the wholsom streams of saving Doctrine, for the refreshing, and healing, and cleansing of those who receive it. Or 2. Within her self, being well watered, i. e. replenished with spiritual Graces and Blessings, which are frequently compared to waters, both in the Old and New Testament, as Isa. 44. 3. Ioh. 4. 10. & 7. 38. for which the Church is compared to a watered Garden, or Spring of water, Isa. 58. 11.

Either 1. To preserve it from all pollution, or injury: Or 2. To reserve it for the use and service of its owner, for which reason Springs were shut up in those Countries where water was scarce and precious, as Gen. 29. 3.

The same thing is here repeated in other words.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word].