Out of Ecclesiastes and into this book, we pass from one page to another, from one world to another, and the groans and sighs of the first give place to the joys and songs of the new scene. The preacher's world of the past book is left behind, and the world to come, above the sun, is now in view. Here a satisfying object is found from the beginning, and joy fills the heart and mind at last. The best wine is thus reserved for the last; and this having been found, it abides forever.

"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth " is the introduction. Jesus Himself is here before the heart-Jesus the Saviour, Jesus the Lord, Jesus the true lover, bridegroom, and King. Whatever position in which He appears, He will be found the selfsame Jesus who is known, sought, and loved. In New Testament language, it is "new creation," new scene, new world-all for our enjoyment, even while yet upon the earth. It is the scene of bliss into which the Holy Spirit conducts the hearts of those who know redemption through His blood. It is "inside the veil," "the holy of holies," "the secret place of the Most High." It is "above the sun." The yearnings, longings, and breakings of heart, here are not those of a sorrow-stricken, disappointed heart, but rather to know more and more of One who satisfies, and satisfies forever; such heart-yearnings as were in the apostle, who, while he knew the Lord, and knew Him well, yet desired "that I may know Him" (Phil. 3:10).

As we read at the beginning, " Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth," so at the close she longingly says, "Make haste, my beloved;" or, in New Testament language, " Even so, come, Lord Jesus." How blessed to be able to tread the sacred enclosures where such joy and satisfaction are found!

Oh, to know more and more of Jesus! Jesus, the Man who sat on Sychar's well, who prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, who died upon the cross of Calvary, but who is now above the sun, upon the Father's throne glorified, and who will soon come again! A. E. B.