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Song of Songs 2:2

As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
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Ambrose of Milan

AD 397
“I am the flower of the field, and the lily of the valleys, as a lily among thorns.” This is a plain declaration that virtues are surrounded by the thorns of spiritual wickedness, so that no one can gather the fruit who does not approach with caution. - "Concerning Virgins 1.8.43"

Augustine of Hippo

AD 430
So also strange daughters: daughters, because of the form of godliness; strange, because of their loss of virtue. Be the lily there; let it receive the mercy of God: hold fast the root of a good flower, be not ungrateful for soft rain coming from heaven. Be thorns ungrateful, let them grow by the showers: for the fire they grow, not for the garner. - "Explanations of the Psalms 48.8"

Augustine of Hippo

AD 430
But would you like to know what is said to this lady somewhere else, in the Song of Songs? “Like a lily in the midst of thorns, so is my darling in the midst of the daughters.” An extraordinary saying—he called the same people both thorns and daughters. And do those thorns do mightily? They do indeed. Can’t you see how these heresies too pray, fast, give alms, praise Christ? - "Sermon 37.27"

Braulio of Zaragoza

AD 651
It is written of the church: “As a lily among thorns, so is my beloved among women.” - "Letter 42"

George Leo Haydock

AD 1849
Thorns. The bridegroom enhances the praise of his spouse. The Church, surrounded by infidels and persecutors, maintains her beauty and station. Heretics, are no better than thorns. (Origen) (Calmet) The Church excels all other societies. In her communion the innocent are preferred before sinners, and among the former, the blessed Virgin surpasses all.

Gregory The Dialogist

AD 604
Solomon, in the voice of the bridegroom, said of the church, “As a lily among briers, so is my love among the maidens.” - "Forty Gospel Homilies 38"

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation - 2 Peter 1:20

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