Clavis Cantici

p. 1Clavis Cantici: OR, A KEY of the SONG, Useful for opening up thereof.

THis is a place of Scripture, the Exposition whereof, many in all Ages have sh◊◊ned to adventure upon; and truly I have looked upon it of a long time, as not convenient to be treated upon before all Auditories, nor easie by many to be understood; especially because of the height of spiritual expressions, and mysterious rapts of Divine Love, and the sublime and excellent expressions of the Bridegroom therein contained, which would require much livelinesse of frame, and acquaintance in experience with the things here spoken of, and nearnesse in walking with God, as being necessary for finding out the mind and meaning o◊ the Spirit of God therein: Yet we are now brought by help of his Grace, to essay the Interpretation of it, upon these following considerations,

First, Because it is acknowledged by all, not only to be authentick Scripture, but an excellent Piece thereof; and therefore is to be p. 2made use of by the Church, and not to ly hid, nor to be laid aside, as if the meaning thereof were not to be searched into, because it seems dark and obscure.

2. Because the Subject and Matter of it is so Divine, carrying alongst with it many various cases, both of particular Souls, as also, of the Church, both visible and invisible, with many excellent commendations of Christ the Bridegroom, which ought to be the Subject of his Friends Meditations, and cannot but be profitable, if he blesse them; there being here Maps, almost for all conditions.

3. Because the style and composition is so Divine and excellent, carrying affections alongst with it, and captivating them in the very reading; so that few can read this Song, but they must fall in love with it, we would therefore see what is within it, if at least we may get a taste of that which doth so sweetly relish.

4. It seems the Holy Ghost, by putting it into such a mould, intended to commend it: and if it be true that all the Poetical pieces of Scripture, ought especially to be learned and taken notice of; so should this, it being so commended to us in that frame.

p. 25. The strain and subject of it is so very spiritual, that it necessitats the Students thereof, to aime at some nearnesse with God; and ordinarily it leaves some stamp upon their affections, which is not the least cause, nor the smallest encouragement to me in this undertaking.

We shall not stand to prove the authority of it: It carries a Divine style in its bosome; nor is there need to inquire who was the Penman of it, it being clear that Solomon, who was furnished with wisdom and understanding, as never a King before or since was, is honoured to be the Amanuensis of the Holy Ghost, in putting this Song upon record. Whether after, or before his backsliding, it is not much to us; though it be most probable that it was after, in the warmness of a spirit sensible of this so great a deliverance: For here we may, as it were, see him making use of that experience of the vanity of all things he had found, coming to the fear of God as the conclusion of the whole matter; whereof this Song of Love is not a little evidence, and which looks like his own saying, Eccles. 12. 13.

The means which are necessary for our more perspicuous handling, and your more profitable hearing, of this profound Scripture will be,

p. 3First, Some acquaintance with the whole Word of God, but mainly the Book of the Psalms, and other Songs recorded in the Word; as also, with the Gospel, and such places as have most likeness to it.

2. Acquaintance with the cases of others, either by reading or mutual fellowship; but most of all it is requisite, that one have some experimental knowledge of the way of God towards his own heart: He who is so wise as to observe these things, even he shall understand this loving kindnesse of the Lord: Such kind of experience is one of the best Commentaries upon this Text.

3. Watchfulnesse over our selves, keeping our heart with all keeping, and studying a tender frame of spirit, that we may have a Conscience alwayes void of offence towards God: Loosnesse all the Week will not be a frame for the Canticles. It is not the simple being of Grace, but the lively operation and exercise thereof, which prompts and disposes either to speak to purpose, or to hear of this with profit; He would grow in Grace who would grow in Knowledge here: Neither have others ground to expect that this secret of the Lord shall be with them, or that they shall be of a quick understanding, who fear him not: One may have Grace, and not a lively frame for this, except Grace be acting, and in exercise.

p. 34. Much conversing with the Bridegroom, especially by Prayer, that he who causes the dull to understand Doctrine, may manifest himself, and open our eyes to behold these wondrous things, and that he may blesse us in the knowledge of his will in this we undertake, which so especially concerns Him and us; for, this Scripture may be dark to these who speaks on it, if this be not, and a sealed Book to you who hear it, if these things be wanting: Whereas, if these be in us and abound, we shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of this piece of Sacred Scripture.

Now, that we may have the more clear accesse to speak profitably of the matter of this Song, and that our way of opening and applying of it (which may possibly in some things be different from others) may be the better cleared, We shall, 1. premit some Propositions concerning it. 2. Draw some Conclusions from these; both which we shall endeavour shortly to clear and confirm, as useful to be taken alongst in our proceeding.