Sermons on the Song of Songs

This surely “is the testimony of Israel to praise the name of the Lord.” Not, indeed, of Israel “according to the flesh,” but of Israel “according to the spirit.” For how could the carnal Israel speak in that way? Not that he lacks oil, but he has not his “oil poured out.” Oil he has, but he keeps it concealed; he keeps it in his law-books rather than in his heart. He clings to the rind of the letter. He holds in his clutch a full vase. But it is sealed and he refuses to open it, even to anoint himself. O Israel, the spiritual unction is within, it is in the interior. Open and anoint thyself, and be no longer “a provoking house.” Where is the use of having oil in thy vessels unless thou feelest it also on thy members? What avails it to read and re-read the sweet name of the Saviour in thy books if the sweetness of His love and service has no place in thy life? His name is oil. Only pour it out and thou shalt experience its virtue, which is threefold. But since the Jew despises my appeal, do you, my brethren, attend. I want to tell you what I have not yet explained, viz., why the name of the Beloved is compared to oil. There are, as far as I can see, three reasons. And forasmuch as He is called by many names, because none that is adequate can be found (He being ineffable) we have first to invoke the Holy Spirit that He would deign to reveal to us that one name out of the many, which He wishes to be understood in this place; for it has not been His good pleasure to consign it to writing. But this must await another discourse. For even if I had now the necessary knowledge, and neither you were burdened nor I fatigued, the lateness of the hour would still compel me to finish. Hold fast what I have to-day invited your attention to, so that to-morrow there may be no necessity to repeat. This is my purpose, this the task I am undertaking, namely, to show you why the Beloved’s name is compared to oil, and which one of His names. And seeing that I cannot say anything of myself, I exhort you to pray that “a mouth and wisdom” may be given me, through His Spirit, by the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, Our Lord, to Whom be honour and glory for ever. Amen.