Sermons on the Song of Songs

Having thus obtained in these two kisses experimental proof of the divine benevolence, perhaps thou mayst now aspire with security to the third and holier kiss. Confidence increases proportionately with our grace. Hence it is that whilst thou now lovest more ardently, thou dost also ask more confidently for that which thou perceivest to be still wanting to thy fulness. Now, “everyone that asketh, receiveth.” Therefore, I believe that, to one so disposed, this kiss of infinite condescension and indescribable sweetness, whatever it may be, will not be denied. This is the way and this is the order. First, we cast ourselves at the Feet of Christ, and before the Lord Who made us we lament the evils which we ourselves have made. Secondly, we ask the help of His Hand to lift us up and to “strengthen the feeble knees.” Thirdly, when we have obtained these favours by many prayers and tears, then, at last—with fear and trembling I say it—perhaps, then, we may venture to raise ourselves to that divinely glorious Mouth, not merely to contemplate Its beauty, but even to enjoy Its kiss. For “Christ is a Spirit before our face,” with Whom We shall be made one Spirit, through His gracious mercy, by uniting ourselves to Him in this holy kiss.

To Thee, Lord Jesus, rightly “to Thee hath my heart said: my face hath sought Thee; Thy Face, O Lord, will I still seek, because Thou didst make me hear Thy mercy in the morning.” That is to say, Thou didst pardon my sinful life, when at first I lay prostrate in the dust, kissing Thy venerable Feet. Afterwards, in the course of the day, “Thou didst rejoice the soul of Thy servant,” by granting me the grace of well-doing in the kiss of Thy Hand. And now sweet Lord, what remains except graciously to admit me even to the kiss of Thy Mouth in the plenitude of light and in fervour of spirit, and so to “fill me with the joy of Thy Countenance”? Show me, O Most Sweet, O Most Amiable, “where Thou feedest, where Thou liest in the mid-day”! My brethren, “it is good for us to be here,” but, behold! the malice of the day summons us elsewhere. These guests, whose arrival has just been announced, compel me to interrupt rather than conclude so pleasant a discourse. I go to discharge the duties of hospitality, lest anything should be wanting in the exercise of that charity of which I have been speaking, and lest of us also it should be said, “for they say and do not.” Do you meantime pray that God may “make pleasing the voluntary offerings of my mouth” for your edification and unto the praise and glory of His Name. Amen.