This Union is set forth by the metaphor of the head and the body, while the love that united both is set forth in this song, by the neck. The self-moving love of God will keep this body and head in eternal Union. This is also represented by the Vine and the Branches. _I am the Vine_, _ye are the Branches_. All our fruit depends on Union with this Vine—_In me is thy fruit found_. The scriptures shew this doctrine by the Union that subsists between the Husband and his Wife: this says the Apostle _is a great mystery_; _but I speak concerning Christ and his Church_. In consequence of this Union with Christ and his People, they become partakers of the same Spirit with him. He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit. He took our nature, we take his spirit, and like the men of Judah, we have two parts in David. We are bone of bone, and flesh of his flesh; and the Apostle tells us, _we are members of his body_, _of his flesh_, _and of his bones_. Christ being united to his Church, beholds it with admiration; highly commends her, and to shew how dear she is to him, he laid down his life for her, in the set time, to favor our souls. He subdues our enmity, melts our hearts, reconciles our wills, draws our affections to himself, and leads our faith to admire him, believe in him, rest on him, and be satisfied with him. He loves us, we love him; he chose us, we chuse him; he is delighted in us, we in him; he sought us, we seek him; he commands us, we commend him; he draws near to us, we draw near to him; he loves the company of his people, they desire his; he invites them to his arms, his house, his table, and to holy familiarity with him. His people seeing his glory, beauty, suitableness, and love, intreat him to visit them, to meet them, to abide with them, to be in them, walk with them, talk with them, and indulge them with his company. Thus the Union is mutual, and sweet communion is the blessed effect of it. The Saviour must see of the travail of his soul, in their complete conversion. He longs for their coming home, and they long to get home to see him, who is the brightness of the Father’s glory, and the express image of his Person. Under this sweet influence of the spirit of love, the Church breathes forth her earnest desires—_Make haste my beloved_, _and be thou like to a Roe_, _or a young Hart upon the mountains of spices_. The first petition in this song is for clear manifestations of his love. _Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth_. And the last petition is the language of the text, the earnest desire to see his face. This is the Alpha and Omega of the Spirit’s teaching. We shall first consider the object desired.—_My beloved_. Secondly, Her earnest request, _Make haste_. And thirdly, The metaphor here made use of, _Be thou like a Roe_, _or a young Hart upon the mountains of spices_.