Clavis cantici, or, An exposition of the Song of Solomon

3. It's helpful in expounding of Allegories, to know how such phrases are expounded in other places; as when some things are spoken of David, that cannot literally agree to David, then see who is meant, in other places of Scripture, by him. If it cannot be known what is meant by a marriage-tie here, seeing it can be no humane thing, see what other spiritual marriage is spoken of in any other place of Scripture, and who are the parties, and this is to be expounded by that.

3. It's helpful in expounding of Allegories, to know how such phrases are expounded in other places; as when some things are spoken of David, that cannot literally agree to David, then see who is meant, in other places of Scripture, by him. If it cannot be known what is meant by a marriage-tye here, seing it can be no humane thing, see what other spiritual marriage is spoken of in any other place of Scripture, and who are the parties, and this is to be expounded by that.

4. Being to interpret any Allegorical place of Scripture, we would see, not only to the scope of all Scripture, and the analogy of Faith in general; but to the scope of the Spirit in that place: As for example, If we would understand what is intended by the Parable of the Prodigal, we would first consider the scope, which is to show God's ready welcoming of a sinner, and then level the exposition, as serving to illustrat that scope. So we would consider what is the Brides scope, Chap. 5. 10. and it's to describe Christ: And Chap. 7. 1. we would consider what is the Bridegroom's scope; and it's to describe her. So then it agrees with the scope, to open these places, & apply them to what is commendable in him, and her: And thus the Exposition, and Doctrines from it, do not only suit with the analogy of Faith, and are not contrary to found Doctrine; but also suit with the intention of the Spirit there, and are agreeable to it: For the Holy Ghost under general commendations, may include all particulars, which may serve to make out the general; and so when the scope is to hold Christ out, as all desires, then what ever makes him appear desirable, and standeth with the analogy of the expression, may well stand with that scope: This is sure, especially when negatively it's inferred; that is, when such a scope necessarily inferreth such a Doctrine, and when that scope could not be attained, if such a