Section 448
II. Here is an argument made use of to obtain this request; "We will run after thee"
Or else it may be considered as the end of her asking this favor; "draw me," that we may "run after thee."[3330] Lord, do thou draw, that we may run, which we cannot do, unless thou dost; but if thou wilt, we shall run after thee. Here is a change of persons in these words; first she says, draw me, and then we will run after thee; by whom are meant, she, and the virgins her companions; the church, and particular members: every one in their stations would act with more life and vigor upon such drawings. "We will run after thee;" this is not a running to Christ, as sinners do under apprehension of danger, as to a city of refuge, and saints, as to a place of protection, safety and security; but this is a running after him: Christ is the fore-runner who has gone before us, and left us an example, both in doing and suffering, as the fulfiller of righteousness, and the great captain of our salvation; and we must follow him the Lamb, whithersoever he goeth; and not only follow, but run. Our life is frequently, in scripture, called a race; Christ is the mark we must press after; heaven is the prize we should have in view; and the way or stadium in which we should run, are Christ's commandments; though our running therein, or performing them, is not the cause of our obtaining the prize; for "it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy;" yet running herein is our duty; which supposes,
1st, Cheerfulness, readiness, and willingness; then, says David, "will I run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart;" (Psalm 119:32) that is, I shall observe them more cheerfully, readily and willingly; it will remove that backwardness that is in me to duty.
2dly, Swiftness; "I made haste, and delayed not, to keen thy commandments," (Psalm 119:60) says the same psalmist such obedience as this, though far more perfectly than we are capable of, do the angels perform in heaven.
3dly, Strength; and this we have not; but there is fullness of it with Christ; who, whilst we are waiting on him, is pleased to renew our strength, so that we "mount up with wings as eagles, and run and are not weary, and walk and do not faint." Now this is the effect of that drawing, without which there is no running; we cannot set one step forward unless he speak to us, much less can we run, unless he draw us.